4th International Film and Music Festival: Izmir’s arts scene thrives with EU support

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4th International Film and Music Festival: Izmir's arts scene thrives with EU support

With its rich historical heritage and flourishing contemporary art scene, Izmir is rapidly emerging as an impressive cultural hub. From vibrant events to dynamic festivals, the city is a contender for the creative centre of Türkiye's Aegean coast. Artists, musicians, and filmmakers are drawn to Izmir for its welcoming atmosphere.

© EUROPEAN UNION, 2024

One of the highlights of this vibrant artistic environment was the 4th Izmir International Film and Music Festival, organised by the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality and the Intercultural Art Association. Supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye, the festival showcased around 60 films from 30 countries and featured panel discussions and exhibitions.

Izmir cinema lovers showed great enthusiasm for the five-day festival

The Crystal Flamingo Awards were presented at the Ahmet Adnan Saygun Arts Center on 3 November, the festival's closing night. In the three parts of the competition (national, international and out-of-competition), awards were presented in 17 categories. The evening also featured unforgettable film music.

Vecdi Sayar, the Director of the Festival

Vecdi Sayar, the Director of the Festival, said: "I would like to thank the film sector and all the institutions that have supported the festival, including the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Delegation of the European Union to Türkiye. I would like to remind you that audience engagement is crucial to the festival's survival."

Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, a French director, screenwriter and producer

French director, screenwriter and producer Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, President of the International Competition Jury, stated: "Music is very important for this city. Music is the soul of Izmir. Music and cinema are cultural links that unite us. I'm delighted to be here in Izmir attending this festival."

Greek Director of Photography Andreas Sinanos received the Award for Intercultural Artistic Achievement. Actor Ercan Kesal presented the award, saying: "Andreas is an inspiration. I'm glad he's here with us."

Actor Ercan Kesal and Director of Photography Andreas Sinanos

Andreas Sinanos spoke Turkish, remarking, "I am pleasantly surprised to receive this award. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the project."

Actor Bülent Emin Yarar, who received the Best Performance Award in the national competition, stated: "For me, festivals are more a meeting with the audience than a competition. I think festivals are highly significant, and I hope this festival will continue."

The event was hosted by actress Şenay Gürler

Ümit Ünal's 'Evcilik' (Playhouse) and Nadim Güç's 'Mukadderat' (Destiny) shared the best film prize. Aykut Sarıoğlu, director of photography of the film 'Evcilik', said: "Our director, Ümit Ünal, and I are from İzmir. So, it is a great honour for us to receive an award in our home city."

Director Yüksel Aksu speaking

Winners of the 4th Izmir Christal Flamingo Awards:

Out of Competition

Lifetime Achievement Awards: Burçak Evren, Cinema Writer and Historian, and Mehmet Soyarslan, Producer and Musician

Award for Intercultural Artistic Achievement: Andreas Sinanos, Director of Photography

Honorary Award: Mazlum Çimen, Musician

International Competition:

Best Original Score: "Gloria" / Margherita Vicario/Italy, Switzerland, 2024 and "Melody" / Behrouz Sebt Rasoul / Tajikistan, Iran, United Kingdom, 2023

Special Jury Award: Cem Karaca'nın Göz Yaşları (Cem Karaca's Tears) / Yüksel Aksu

Best Film: Everybody Loves Touda / Nabil Ayouch / Morocco, France, Sweden, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, 2024

National Competition:

Best Original Song in TV Series: "Hadi Kalk Gidelim" (Come on, get up. Let's go) in the "Yaz" (Summer) series.

Best Original Theme Score for Series in Digital Platforms: "Magarsus"

Best Original Theme Score for TV Series: "Kızıl Goncalar" (Red Buds)

Special Izmir City Council Award: "Kayıtsız" (Unfeeling) / Özlem Çıngırlar / Türkiye, 2024

Film Critics Association Award: Döngü (Cycle) / Erkan Tahhuşoğlu, Türkiye, Kosovo, 2024

Film Directors Association Award: Döngü (Cycle) / Erkan Tahhuşoğlu, Türkiye, Kosovo, 2024

Best Sound Design: "Hakkı" / Hikmet Kerem Özcan / Türkiye, 2024

Best Original Score: "Kayıtsız" (Unfeeling) / Özlem Çıngırlar / Türkiye, 2024

Best Performance: Bülent Emin Yarar / "Hakkı" and Serpil Gür / Döngü (Cycle)

Special Jury Award: "Parmaklıklar Ardında İki Kadın" (Two Women Behind Bars) / Mehmet Eryılmaz / Türkiye, 2024

Best Film: "Evcilik" (Playhouse) / Ümit Ünal / Türkiye, 2024 and "Mukadderat" (Destiny) / Nadim Güç / Türkiye, 2024

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